Cornwall, Connecticut: A Unified Experience of History, Community, and Photography
Cornwall is a town in Litchfield County, Connecticut, United States. Cornwall, one of the smallest and most culturally vibrant towns in the state, is pleased to announce the launch of its newly enhanced website, Cornwallct.org. Designed to provide a unified experience across key channels and representing the town and local community, the website is just as user friendly whether you’re on a computer or mobile device. Visitors will enjoy the increased site speed and easy navigation, along with many new features and benefits.
The Cornwall Digital Presence
The vision was to build the best town website in the state where civic, community, and visitor websites are combined for a unified and consistent experience across these key channels. Our website is a fusion between the town and local community, which is a very Cornwall thing. Founded in 2001 by luminaries ahead of their time, our site is unique, representing the community, town, and visitor information in a single, unified experience. The Cornwall Web Committee is an independent and lively group of dedicated volunteers tasked with the mission of creating a vibrant digital presence for the town we love.
Photography and Iconic Landmarks
Sincere thanks to Lazlo Gyorsok for allowing us to use his captivating photos of Cornwall. They truly demonstrate what makes our town special. Cornwall has long been known as the “Home of the Covered Bridge,” which has spanned the Housatonic River since 1864. One of only three surviving covered bridges in Connecticut, the bridge is a popular tourist destination and among the most-photographed locations in the state.
Natural Geography and Communities
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town of Cornwall has a total area of 46.3 square miles, of which 46.1 square miles are land and 0.3 square miles, or 0.55%, are water. One significant natural feature is the vast amount of forested land, including hundreds of acres of Mohawk State Forest, resulting in Cornwall often being called “the Greenest Town in Connecticut”. The town encompasses three townships: Cornwall Bridge and West Cornwall, each bordered by the Housatonic River to the west, and Cornwall Village, located three miles east of the river.
Principal Communities within Cornwall
- Cornwall (has its own ZIP Code for a specific P.O. box)
- Cornwall Bridge (has its own post office)
- Cornwall Hollow
- East Cornwall
- West Cornwall (has its own post office)
Historical Context and Culture
The town of Cornwall, Connecticut, is named after the county of Cornwall, England. The town was incorporated in 1740, nearly four decades before the United States declared its independence. During the 19th century and the arrival of the Industrial Revolution, the town maintained two furnaces, including a blast furnace, to support charcoal-making industries. Modern-day Cornwall continues to reflect its rural farming character while being home to arts, culture, artisans and entrepreneurs. In 1939 poet Mark Van Doren wrote "The Hills of Little Cornwall", in which the seductive beauties of the countryside were portrayed.
Key Town Statistics and Facts
- Incorporated: May 1740
- Total Population (2020): 1,567
- Total Area: 46.3 sq mi (120.0 km²)
- Land Area: 46.1 sq mi (119.3 km²)
- First Selectman: Gordon M. Ridgway (D)
- County: Litchfield
- Region: Northwest Hills